Going Veg: My Ethical Journey

I became a vegetarian when I was thirteen years old. I can’t remember a clear reason why I did, the idea to do it came into my head and I just stuck with it. Perhaps there were signs that I would get this idea? I have always been compassionate towards animals and I always felt uncomfortable at the butchers, even as a small child. So I did it. My parents have always been very supportive of me to be my own person, so the transition was very smooth. My Mum prepared vegetarian meals for me and I learned more about cooking.

At first, I will admit, I wasn’t what you’d call a strict vegetarian. I ate fish at the beginning, which is now one of my pet peeves, the vegetarian who eats fish. I didn’t understand what gelatin was, or animal testing, or any of the other veg issues that are so important to me now. I can’t pinpoint the exact time – perhaps just under a year of not eating meat – but something changed. I enjoyed not eating meat, trying new food and being creative with what I ate. I wanted to know more about why people were vegetarian, what happened to animals, and I guess to try and configure some understanding of why I didn’t want to eat meat anymore.

I did research on the Internet, I sent off for leaflets from The Vegetarian Society and Viva!. This only supported that I had made the right decision for me and I became stricter. I gave up fish, only ate free-range eggs, cut out animal derivatives and became an avid label reader. I decided that vegetarianism was a very personal thing for me. I viewed all animals equally, so I did not understand why it was ok to eat a cow and not a pet cat. The thought of both upset me, so it was best for me to avoid it completely.

My next ‘turning point’ was at about 17. I became more interested in learning about animal testing and I decided to convert to using all animal-friendly cosmetics, from toothpaste to make up, using the BUAV website to guide me. I also found myself taking an interest in other issues, like human rights and the environment. I came to realize that I wanted to strive to live a more ethical lifestyle, covering more aspects than just what I ate.

So where am I now on my ethical journey? Now that I’m living in my own place I am also converting to animal-friendly cleaning products. I try to eat local fruit and vegetables. I have vowed to only now buy clothing that has some sort of ethical credential. And I am a very happy vegetarian who is very healthy and has an exciting, varied diet.